miniDSP NANOAVR DL User Manual

NANOAVR DL

8-CHANNEL HDMI AUDIO PROCESSOR

WITH DIRAC LIVE® TECHNOLOGY

User Manual

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 1

Revision

Description

Date

1.0

Initial public release

4 December 2014

Revision history

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Important Information ......................................................................................................................................... 5

System Requirements ...................................................................................................................................... 5

Disclaimer/Warning ......................................................................................................................................... 5

Warranty Terms ............................................................................................................................................... 5

FCC Class B Statement...................................................................................................................................... 5

CE Mark Statement .......................................................................................................................................... 6

What’s Included ............................................................................................................................................... 6

A Note on this Manual ..................................................................................................................................... 6

1 Product Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 7

1.1 Typical system configuration ................................................................................................................ 7

1.2 How Dirac Live® works ......................................................................................................................... 8

1.3 NanoAVR DL / Dirac Live® configuration steps .................................................................................... 10

2 Installation and Setup .................................................................................................................................. 11

2.1 Software installation and license activation ........................................................................................ 11

2.1.1 Framework installation ............................................................................................................... 11

2.1.2 Software installation ................................................................................................................... 11

2.1.3 License activation ....................................................................................................................... 12

2.1.4 License validation ....................................................................................................................... 13

2.2 Hardware connectivity ....................................................................................................................... 14

2.2.1 HDMI input and output ............................................................................................................... 14

2.2.2 Ethernet ..................................................................................................................................... 14

2.2.3 DC Power .................................................................................................................................... 15

2.2.4 USB ............................................................................................................................................. 15

3 Acoustic Measurement ................................................................................................................................ 16

3.1 Loudspeaker and microphone positioning .......................................................................................... 16

3.2 Connections for acoustic measurement .............................................................................................. 17

3.3 Configuring for measurement ............................................................................................................. 18

3.3.1 Sound System tab ....................................................................................................................... 19

3.3.2 Mic Config tab ............................................................................................................................ 20

3.3.3 Output & Levels tab .................................................................................................................... 21

3.4 Running the measurements ................................................................................................................ 22

3.4.1 Listening environment ................................................................................................................ 23

3.4.2 Executing a measurement........................................................................................................... 24

3.4.3 Completing the measurements ................................................................................................... 25

3.4.4 Viewing and redoing measurements ........................................................................................... 25

3.5 Saving and loading projects ................................................................................................................ 25

4 Filter Design ................................................................................................................................................ 26

4.1 Working with graphs .......................................................................................................................... 27

4.2 Designing your target curve ................................................................................................................ 29

4.2.1 The Auto Target .......................................................................................................................... 29

4.2.2 Editing the target curve .............................................................................................................. 29

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4.2.3 Guidelines for target curve design .............................................................................................. 30

4.2.4 Saving and loading target curves ................................................................................................. 31

4.3 Generating correction filters............................................................................................................... 32

4.4 Downloading and managing filter sets ................................................................................................ 33

5 Using the NanoAVR DL HDMI audio processor ............................................................................................. 34

5.1 Status indicators ................................................................................................................................. 34

5.2 Front panel controls ........................................................................................................................... 34

5.3 Infrared remote control ...................................................................................................................... 35

5.4 Smartphone control app ..................................................................................................................... 36

6 Additional Information ................................................................................................................................ 37

6.1 Specifications ..................................................................................................................................... 37

6.2 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................. 38

6.3 MCU Firmware upgrade ..................................................................................................................... 40

6.4 Obtaining Support .............................................................................................................................. 42

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please read the following information before use. In case of any questions, please contact miniDSP via the
support portal at minidsp.desk.com.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

To configure your NanoAVR DL HDMI audio processor, you will require a Windows PC with the following
minimum specification:

 Intel Pentium III or later, AMD Athlon XP or later
 2 Gigabytes (GB) of RAM or higher
 Keyboard and mouse or compatible pointing device
 Microsoft• ® Windows® Vista® SP1/Win7/Win8
 Microsoft• ® .NET framework v3.5 or later
 Two free USB 2.0 ports

DISCLAIMER/WARNING

miniDSP cannot be held responsible for any damage that may result from the improper use or incorrect
configuration of this product. Please read this manual carefully to ensure that you fully understand how to
operate and use this product, as incorrect use or use beyond the parameters and ways recommended in this
manual have the potential to cause damage to your audio system.

Please also note that many of the questions we receive at the technical support department are already
answered in this User Manual and in the online application notes on the miniDSP.com website. So please take
the time to carefully read this user manual and the online technical documentation. And if an issue arises with
your unit, please read through the Troubleshooting section first. Thank you for your understanding!

WARRANTY TERMS

miniDSP Ltd warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one
year from the invoice date. Our warranty does not cover failure of the product due to incorrect connection or
installation, improper or undocumented use, unauthorized servicing, modification or alteration of the unit in any
way, or any usage outside of that recommended in this manual. If in doubt, contact miniDSP prior to use.

FCC CLASS B STATEMENT

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

 This device may not cause harmful interference.
 This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired

operation.

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Warning: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
 Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Notice: Shielded interface cable must be used in order to comply with emission limits.

Notice: Changes or modification not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the

user’s authority to operate the equipment.

CE MARK STATEMENT

The nanoAVR DL has passed the test performed according to European Standard EN 55022 Class B.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

 One NanoAVR DL HDMI audio processor
 One universal 5 VDC power supply with interchangeable power pins
 One USB cable for computer connectivity (1.5m)
 One flat HDMI v1.4 flat cable (1.5m)
 One full license for Dirac Live Calibration Tool for miniDSP
 Printed Quick-start Guide

Note: your nanoAVR DL purchase does not include the required UMIK-1 USB measurement microphone. Please
add a UMIK-1 to your order if you do not already have one.

A NOTE ON THIS MANUAL

This User Manual is designed for reading in both print and on the computer. If printing the manual, please print
double-sided. The embedded page size is 8 ½” x 11”. Printing on A4 paper will result in a slightly reduced size.

For reading on the computer, we have included hyperlinked cross-references throughout the manual. In
addition, a table of contents is embedded in the PDF file, which will make navigation much easier:

 In Adobe Reader on Windows, click on the “bookmarks” icon at the left. The table of contents will appear on

the left and can be unfolded at each level by clicking on the “+” icons.

 In Preview on the Mac, click on the View menu and select Table of Contents. The table of contents will

appear on the left and can be unfolded at each level by clicking on the triangle icons.

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1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Thank you for purchasing a NanoAVR DL HDMI audio processor powered by Dirac Live®, the world’s premier
room correction solution. We are delighted to offer you this software and hardware combination, the fruit of
extensive research and development and years of experience in sound system tuning.

The nanoAVR DL is a 2-input HDMI 1.4a switch combined with a sophisticated digital audio signal processor
(DSP) running the Dirac Live® room correction algorithm. The onboard floating-point SHARC processor allows full
time and phase correction of a 7.1 home theater or multichannel audio system using linear PCM (LPCM) audio.

The nanoAVR DL is one of the products in the miniDSP Home Theater Series of audio processors. Deploying a
nanoAVR DL processor in your home theater system will:

 Improve imaging and immersion
 Improve clarity of music and dialog
 Produce a tighter bass
 Reduce listening fatigue
 Remove resonances and room modes
 Reduce early reflections

1.1 TYPICAL SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

The nanoAVR DL typically connects between an HDMI source such as a Blu-ray player and an A/V receiver or
processor. Two HDMI sources can be connected to the nanoAVR DL. Audio from the selected HDMI input is
processed by the Dirac Live® algorithm and passed to the output. Video from the selected input is switched
directly to the output, with no processing applied to the video signal.

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Computer connectivity is used to perform acoustic measurements and generate digital room correction filters
for Dirac Live®. Up to four sets of correction filters can be stored on the NanoAVR DL processor and recalled
from the front panel, via an infrared remote, or with the miniDSP smartphone app. Once the processor is fully
configured, the computer is no longer needed.

1.2 HOW DIRAC LIVE® WORKS

The miniDSP NanoAVR DL HDMI audio processor includes Dirac Live®, a premium mixed-phase room correction
technology. This technology is used not only in home stereo and home theater systems but also in cinemas,
recording studios, and luxury cars.

As with any room correction system, Dirac Live® corrects the system’s magnitude response (often referred to
imprecisely as “frequency response”). In contrast to fully automated systems, Dirac Live® corrects the
magnitude response towards a user-adjustable target response. The target response takes account of the
natural frequency range of the loudspeaker system and the normal effects of loudspeaker dispersion on the
measured in-room magnitude response.

Illustration of Dirac Live® magnitude response correction

In addition, Dirac Live® corrects the system’s impulse response, which reflects how the system responds to a
sharp transient such as a drumbeat. Reflections, diffraction, resonances, misaligned drivers, and so on, all
combine to smear out the transient. An ideal loudspeaker has none of these, so correcting the impulse response
makes the speaker in the room behave much more like that ideal loudspeaker. The impulse response is a critical
factor for accurate sound-staging, clarity and bass reproduction. Dirac Live® employs a sophisticated analysis
algorithm to make the optimal correction across the whole listening area, not just at a single point.

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Illustration of Dirac Live® impulse response correction

Dirac Live® accomplishes this using mixed-phase filters – filters that match a desired magnitude response and
generate a customized impulse response. This contrasts with the minimum-phase and linear-phase filters that
are commonly used in audio applications. While minimum-phase and linear-phase filters are relatively easy to
design, they are tightly constrained in their impulse response characteristics – neither can make a desired
change to the magnitude response independently of controlling the impulse response. In some cases, they may
even make things worse.

Mixed-phase filters are more difficult to design, but the audible performance of Dirac Live® is due to its success
in using mixed-phase filters to make the system response across the whole listening area more closely resemble
that of an ideal speaker. The energy from the direct wave and from early reflections is optimally combined to
arrive as a single wavefront to the listener. Late reflections are left largely untouched, being corrected only for
their spectral coloration, as they contribute to a larger, more enveloping soundstage.

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1.3 NANOAVR DL / DIRAC LIVE® CONFIGURATION STEPS

The steps for configuring the NanoAVR DL HDMI audio processor with Dirac Live® to optimize your home theater
system is summarized as follows:

1. Connect the NanoAVR DL audio processor into your system and

install software. See Section 2, Installation and Setup.

2. Run a series of acoustic measurements using the Dirac Live

Calibration Tool For miniDSP program, to capture the acoustic
behavior of your speakers and room. See Section 3, Acoustic

Measurement.

3. Generate the digital room correction filters that will be executed

by the NanoAVR DL processor. Up to four filter sets can be
downloaded into the processor for easy real-time recall and
auditioning. See Section 4, Filter Design.

4. Once the digital room correction filters are designed and

downloaded, the computer can be disconnected, as computer
connectivity is not required for normal listening. See Section 5,

Using the NanoAVR DL HDMI audio processor.

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2 INSTALLATION AND SETUP

2.1 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND LICENSE ACTIVATION

Please read this section carefully prior to installing the software.

2.1.1 Framework installation

Prior to installing the software, download and install the following frameworks. You will need to accept the
license agreements in order to successfully complete the installation. If you haven’t updated these recently,
check that you have the latest versions prior to running the miniDSP install programs.

 Microsoft .NET framework (version 3.5 or later)
 Latest version of Adobe Flash
 Latest version of Adobe Air
 Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package: for x86 (32-bit operating system) or x64 (64-bit operating

system).

2.1.2 Software installation

When you receive notification that your order has shipped, your installation software downloads will be
available at the User Downloads section of the miniDSP website, under the NanoAVR heading.

http://www.minidsp.com/userdownloads

There are two programs to download and install:

nanoAVR DL Utility

The nanoAVR DL Utility is used to configure remote control codes, as well as perform various

other maintenance operations on the nanoAVR DL, including the serial number necessary for
software license activation. You will find it under the heading “nanoAVR DL programmer” in the
nanoAVR section of the User Downloads on minidsp.com.

After downloading, unzip the file and run the nanoAVR_DL.exe installer.

Dirac Live Calibration Tool (DLCT) for miniDSP

The Dirac Live Calibration Tool is used to perform measurements, generate correction filters,

and load them into the nanoAVR DL. You will find it under the heading “nanoAVR Dirac Live
Tools” in the nanoAVR section of the User Downloads on minidsp.com.

After downloading, unzip the file and run the Dirac Live Calibration Tool v1.0.5 Setup.exe

installer (the version number may change).

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2.1.3 License activation

1. Start the miniDSP NanoAVR DL Utility program. It will appear as shown on the left below.

2. Connect your NanoAVR DL processor to your computer via USB, then click on the Connect button. It will

change to a green tick.

3. Click on Get Activation Serial Number. The program will get your unique serial number from the connected

nanoAVR DL and display it, as shown on the right below.

4. Using this serial number, activate your license on the miniDSP Dirac Live activation page:

http://www.minidsp.com/dirac-series/activate/#activate

If you have not purchased a Dirac Live license before, use the New User screen on the left. If this is not your
first Dirac Live license, use the screen on the right.

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Notes:

1. The serial number that must be entered in the activation screen is not the serial number printed on the

hardware unit. A unique serial number specific to Dirac Live is programmed into the firmware of each unit
and can only be accessed with the nanoAVR DL Utility program (step 3 above).

2. The email address and username used during license activation and validation are not related to your user

account on miniDSP.com. To activate and validate a Dirac Live license, you must create an account on the
Dirac server using the form shown at left in step 4 above.

3. If you purchase more than one NanoAVR DL or Dirac Series processor, each will need to be activated with

its unique serial number. Use the form shown on the right in step 4 above and enter the serial number of
each additional processor, and they will in turn be added to your license.

2.1.4 License validation

Start the Dirac Live Calibration Tool For miniDSP program. It will ask you to validate your software license. Enter
the email address and password that you used when activating your license, and then click on Validate:

You will need to be connected to the Internet to validate your license. Any active firewalls will need to have
HTTP (normal web traffic) enabled.

The Username in the validation screen must be the email address that you used in the activation screen
above. It is not your miniDSP website username.

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2.2 HARDWARE CONNECTIVITY

All connections to the nanoAVR DL are made on the rear panel.

2.2.1 HDMI input and output

Two HDMI connections are available for input, and one for output. The input connectors can be connected to
any HDMI source such as a Blu-ray or DVD player, provided that the source is capable of producing a linear PCM
audio signal. Other sources may include media streaming devices and computers with an HDMI port†. The
output connector will be connected to an HDMI input on an A/V receiver or processor.

Ensure that your HDMI sources are set to produce linear PCM (also referred to as PCM, L-PCM, or LPCM)
on their HDMI outputs. The nanoAVR DL does not decode compressed formats such as Dolby and DTS.

†

Apple Macs with a Thunderbolt port can be connected to the nanoAVR DL with the use of a Thunderbolt to

HDMI adapter cable.

2.2.2 Ethernet

To control the nanoAVR DL using the miniDSP smartphone app, you can connect it to your home network via the
Ethernet port. See Smartphone control app on page 36.

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2.2.3 DC Power

The supplied 5 VDC power supply includes a set of interchangeable power pins. Fit the correct pins for your
country. Connect the DC plug to the 5 VDC power socket.

HDMI units communicate with a set of “hand-shaking” signals in order to establish the capabilities
of each device. We recommend that for at least the first time the system is powered up, equipment
be powered on in this order: TV, AVR, nanoAVR DL, source/player.

2.2.4 USB

To configure the nanoAVR DL using Dirac Live Calibration Tool for miniDSP:

 Connect the USB port of the nanoAVR DL to a USB 2.0 port on your computer using the supplied cable.
 Connect a miniDSP UMIK-1 to a second USB port on your computer using the supplied cable.

Note: the miniDSP UMIK-1 is the only measurement microphone that can be used with the nanoAVR and Dirac
Live Calibration Tool for miniDSP.

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3 ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENT

The Dirac Live Calibration Tool For miniDSP uses a set of measurements made in your listening room to gather
all the acoustical information about your room and speakers that it needs to calculate the correction filters. The
measurements are made using the NanoAVR DL HDMI audio processor and a miniDSP UMIK-1 measurement
microphone (must be purchased separately).

3.1 LOUDSPEAKER AND MICROPHONE POSITIONING

Prior to performing acoustic measurements, loudspeaker and subwoofer positioning should be optimized. In
particular, the location of the subwoofer within the room will have a large impact on the smoothness of bass
response. With Dirac Live®, you have more freedom with loudspeaker and subwoofer placement, but the best
result will still be achieved if optimal placement is used together with Dirac Live®.

A total of nine measurements are needed, with the microphone located in different positions in the room and
pointed vertically (that is, at the floor or ceiling). The first measurement must be taken at the central location of
the listening area, as this location sets the levels and delays of each speaker. Eight more measurements are then
taken at locations spread around the listening area and at different heights from the floor.

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3.2 CONNECTIONS FOR ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENT

The figure below shows a typical connection diagram for performing acoustic measurement. No changes to the
existing HDMI connections are needed. Simply:

1. Connect the supplied USB (type A to type B) cable from the nanoAVR DL to a USB port on the computer.

2. Connect the supplied USB (type A to mini type B) cable from the UMIK-1 to a USB port on the computer.

Place the UMIK-1 microphone into a microphone stand and position the computer and cabling so that there is
enough freedom of movement to move the microphone into the needed locations. A small tripod stand is
supplied with the UMIK-1, but a larger stand with boom arm can be used if desired. We recommend that the

microphone be oriented vertically (pointed at the floor or ceiling) and the “90 degree” calibration file used (see

Mic Config tab below).

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3.3 CONFIGURING FOR MEASUREMENT

Start Dirac Live Calibration Tool For miniDSP.

Ensure that no other programs are running that may attempt to communicate with the nanoAVR DL,
such as the nanoAVR DL utility program, as this may result in communication conflicts and errors.

Logo and status/progress bar

This area shows a progress bar with current status when the program is performing calculations. If the

program seems unresponsive at any time, check the status here.

Screen selection tabs

Each tab selects the information shown in the main display area. These are generally worked through in

order, from top to bottom. This section covers the first four tabs; the final two are covered in Filter

Design.

Load and save a project

A set of measurements can be saved to a file and reloaded at a later time. See Saving and loading projects.

Back to previous / proceed to next

Use these two buttons to advance to the next tab when each is complete, or to go back to the previous

tab to make alterations. The tabs at the left can also be clicked on directly.

Help open/close

Click on the small Help divider at the right of the screen to open a pane with help on the currently

selected tab. Click on the divider again to close the help pane.

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3.3.1 Sound System tab

On the Sound System tab, set the following parameters.

Choose system configuration

Use the dropdown menu to select your system configuration. For home theater use, usually 5.1

or 7.1 will be selected.

Test signal playback device

Preset to nanoAVR DL. This will ensure that test signals are sent into your audio system via the

NanoAVR DL processor.

If the nanoAVR DL is not showing, check that your NanoAVR DL processor is connected via USB
and powered on, click the Rescan button, and then use the drop-down menu to select nanoAVR
DL.

Once you have verified that this tab is correct, click the Proceed button.

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3.3.2 Mic Config tab

On the Mic Config tab, set the following parameters.

Recording device

Preset to the UMIK-1.

If UMIK-1 is not showing, ensure that the UMIK-1 is

connected securely to the computer via USB, and go back
to the Sound System tab and click on Rescan. Then use
the drop-down menu to select the “Microphone” item
underneath “UMIK-1”.)

Recording channel

Select 1 from the drop-down menu.

Microphone calibration file

Each UMIK-1 measurement microphone is individually calibrated to ensure accuracy. To

download the unique calibration file for your microphone, go to the UMIK-1 page and enter your
microphone's serial number. It is in the form xxx-yyyy and labelled on the microphone. Ensure
that you download both the regular calibration file and the “90-degree” calibration file. (The
latter is generated specifically for use with the nanoAVR DL.)

Then click on the Load file button and select your calibration file.

For home theater applications, it is best to use the 90-degree calibration file as this
is created specifically for the vertical microphone orientation. This file is
downloaded with the suffix “_90deg” in the file name.

Once you have verified that this tab is correct, click the Proceed button.

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3.3.3 Output & Levels tab

On the Output & Levels tab, set Output volume quite low. If you have another volume control “down-stream”
of the nanoAVR DL, set it about halfway (or -20 dB if digital) and increase it later if needed.

Set the HDMI input to a connected and powered-on source device. Then click on the Test button for the left
channel and gradually increase the output volume until it is at a moderate level, such that your voice would have
to be raised to converse with someone sitting next to you.

Increase the Input gain slider until the blue bar on the level meter reaches up into the green section:

Click again on the Test button for the left channel to stop the test signal. Then click on the Test button for each
of the remaining channels.

The HDMI protocol inserts audio data between the video frames. In order to transmit audio over
HDMI, a video signal is therefore required as well. The nanoAVR DL thus requires an active video
input in order to output audio data, even the test signal. If you do not hear audio when pressing
a Test button, ensure that an HDMI video source is connected, selected, and not asleep.

When done, click the Proceed button.

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3.4 RUNNING THE MEASUREMENTS

Measurements are performed on the Measurements tab.

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3.4.1 Listening environment

The Measurements tab presents three different listening environments as a visual guide to positioning the
microphone for each of the nine measurements: Chair, for a single listening seat; Sofa, for multiple listening
seats; and Auditorium, for a large dedicated home theater or larger venue with staggered seating. Use the icons
at the left of the screen to select the listening environment.

The center of the screen contains a pictorial representation of the selected listening environment, with dots
marking the recommended microphone locations. Completed measurements are shown in green, while the next
measurement to be done is highlighted in yellow and has a red arrow marker pointing to it. A drop-down menu
underneath selects three different views, which should be used to help you place the microphone in the correct
location.

It is important that measurements are performed over a sufficiently broad area. If the measurement area is too
small, the result may be over-correction that will sound dry and dull. If using the Chair listening area, spread the
microphone positions over a circle with a diameter of at least a meter (three feet). The microphone should be
varied in height from the central position by at least 30 cm (one foot) up and down. If using the Sofa or

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Auditorium listening environment, spread the measurement locations over the full listening area and ensure
that microphone height varies by at least 30 cm (one foot) up and down.

While the locations indicated are recommended, you can use a different set of locations if necessary. The
important thing is to ensure that the measurement locations are spread over the whole listening area and that
the microphone is moved a sufficient distance vertically as well as horizontally.

In some cases, such as when the listening area is very close to the loudspeakers, the size and in particular the
height of the measurement area can be reduced, to avoid discrepancies caused by varying output response from
the speakers themselves.

3.4.2 Executing a measurement

With the microphone in place at the central location and pointed vertically (that is, towards the ceiling or floor),
click on the Start button. The NanoAVR DL HDMI audio processor will generate a test signal, audible as a
frequency sweep through the left speaker, then the right, and so on through all channels, including the
subwoofer. Finally, the frequency sweep plays through the left speaker again.

While the measurement proceeds, the time-domain response graph of the captured audio signal is displayed at
the bottom of the measurement tab. (This graph is related to the magnitude response but is not the same
display. Its purpose is to verify that the recorded signal level is in a suitable range.)

At the completion of the measurement, the status bar will display a progress indicator as the program performs
calculations on the measurement. If the measurement was successfully captured, the red arrow marker will then
advance to the next location to be measured.

If the program indicates that the measurement was not successful, you will need to take corrective action. The
most common error is related to signal level:

 The measurement signal is too low to ensure a clean capture.
 The measurement signal is too high and the audio signal has exceeded the maximum level (clipping). This is

shown in red on the signal graph.

In either of the above cases, go back to the Output & Levels tab and adjust the output volume or microphone
input gain. Then re-run the measurement. (You do not need to redo the measurements you have already
successfully completed, even if you change volume or gain.)

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3.4.3 Completing the measurements

After each successful measurement, the location marker (red arrow) will advance to the next location. Move the
microphone to that location, using the three views (top, front, oblique) as a guide to positioning it in the correct
location. Then click on Start again. Repeat this process until all nine locations have been successfully measured.

Note: it is good practice to save the project periodically while performing measurements (see Saving and loading

projects below).

3.4.4 Viewing and redoing measurements

Click on the green dot for any completed measurement to display its measured time-domain response graph.

After clicking on a green dot, a small red “X” will appear next it. Click on the “X” to delete the measurement. The
status bar will indicate that the program is recalculating parameters.

To redo a measurement, delete it, move the microphone to the appropriate location, and click on Start. Note: if
more than one measurement is deleted, the marker will move to the lowest-numbered one.

It is important that all nine measurements are completed in order to ensure best results from the
optimization algorithm. Being patient and thorough will pay audible dividends!

Once all nine measurements have been successfully completed, click the Proceed button.

3.5 SAVING AND LOADING PROJECTS

Each set of measurements and the associated configuration settings are called a project. The project should be
saved at regular intervals by clicking on the Save button. The default location for project files is My
Documents\MiniDSP\Projects.

A project can be reloaded at any time by clicking on the Load button. This enables you to generate new
correction filters for different target curves at a later date (see Filter Design), or to redo any of the
measurements. (Note: if you wish to change between the Chair, Sofa, or Auditorium listening environments,
you will need to start a new project.)

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4 FILTER DESIGN

The Filter Design tab shows sets of graphs for the various 7.1 channels, selected using the tabs at the – click on
these to display the response graphs for other channels (center, subwoofer, and surrounds). For each set of
graphs, a number of variants can individually be turned on and off with the checkboxes above the graphs.

Avg. spectrum (before)

The average of the measured magnitude responses. These plots are shown in light blue.

Avg. spectrum (after)

The predicted average magnitude response after correction. These plots are shown in green, and

can only be viewed after filters have been generated with the Optimize button.

Target

The target curve – that is, the desired in-room magnitude response. This curve is user-adjustable

so you can fine-tune it to best suit your speakers, room, and preferences. See Designing your

target curve below.

All (before)

All of the measured magnitude responses. These plots are shown dark blue.

All (after)

The predicted magnitude responses after correction. These plots are shown in dark green, and

can only be viewed after filters have been generated with the Optimize button.

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The graphs showing all nine measurements are useful for seeing how much variation there is across the listening
area:

To display the impulse response instead of the magnitude response, click on the Impulse button at the top left
of the display. As with the magnitude response, the average measurement can be shown as well as all nine
measurements. The predicted responses after correction can be viewed after filters are generated with the
Optimize button (see Generating correction filters below).

To return to the magnitude response, click on the Spectrum button.

4.1 WORKING WITH GRAPHS

Initially, the left and right front channels are shown. Some channels are linked together, as indicated by the
small “chain” icons on the tabs at the right of the graph. When channels are linked, their graphs display
together, and they share the same target curve – see Designing your target curve below. By default, the front
left and right, surround left and right, and rear left and right channels are linked.

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To unlink a channel from a group, simply click on its chain icon. To link it to another channel or group of
channels, drag its tab on top of the channel or group of channels that you want it linked to.

Initially, you may wish to link all speaker channels together, as shown at right in the diagram above,
as this will make it easier to experiment with target curves. Once you are up and running with filter
sets, you can experiment with different target curves for different channel groups.

The response graphs can be viewed at a larger scale. To zoom in and out:

 Drag-select a region of the graph to zoom in on it. (Click the left button, move the mouse while holding

the button, release the button.) You can then drag-select a region again to zoom in further.

 Double-click on the graph to zoom back out to the previous zoom level, or click on

the small “–” sign next to the zoom indicator at the top right of the display.

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4.2 DESIGNING YOUR TARGET CURVE

The target curve is the desired in-room frequency response with the NanoAVR DL processor performing digital
room correction.

4.2.1 The Auto Target

When first viewing the Filter Design tab, an estimated target curve suitable for your speakers is shown as the
red curve. This estimated target curve can be restored at any time by clicking on the Auto Target button.

Note: restoring the auto target will erase the current target curve. If you wish to keep it, you can save it to a file
– see Saving and loading target curves below

4.2.2 Editing the target curve

You can edit the target curve to set any desired magnitude response (see Guidelines for target curve design
below). This is done with the use of anchor points, shown as orange dots on the curve:

 Drag an anchor point to move it.
 Double-click on the target curve to add an anchor point.
 Double-click on an anchor point to delete it.

The regions to the left and right of the response graphs that are shaded in a darker color are excluded from
magnitude response correction. You can adjust the frequency range for your system and preferences. For
example, low-frequency noise (traffic, machinery) may be present in some environments, so it is best to adjust
the frequency range to exclude these frequencies from the correction. Or, you may be happy with the in-room
response at higher frequencies, so you can set the frequency region to limit correction to the modal region (up
to 300 Hz, in a typical room).

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To alter the frequency region, drag the grey handles on either side of the graph. Note that you can’t drag these
handles over an anchor point, so you may need to move or delete an anchor point that is “in the way.”

If channels are linked, the same target curve is used for that group of linked channels. To create a separate
target curve for a single channel, unlink it as described above in Working with graphs.

4.2.3 Guidelines for target curve design

Care should be taken to create a target curve that works well with your speakers and room, as well as suiting
your personal preferences. Small changes to the target curve can have significant effects on the tonal quality of
the system, so it is important that you experiment with different target curves to find the optimum.

If you initially don’t achieve a satisfactory result, please ensure that you have spread your measurements over a

sufficiently large area and with sufficient variation in height. The following guidelines will help you understand
how to adjust your target curve.

Low-frequency extension and boost

All loudspeakers have a natural low-frequency roll off. Setting the target curve to boost the

region below the speaker’s natural roll off frequency may result in overdriving the speakers,
especially with smaller loudspeakers and depending on your listening habits. As a general rule, a
home theater system should use bass management in the receiver to direct low frequency
content to the subwoofer.

The auto-target estimates the low-frequency roll-off and curve. You should determine by

listening whether this estimate is suitable for your system, and adjust the target curve
accordingly.

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High-frequency “tilt”

The target curve is the desired measured response of loudspeakers in a room, In contrast to

measurements made of a loudspeaker during its design under anechoic (measured in free space)
conditions. While high-quality loudspeakers are usually designed for a flat on-axis anechoic
response, these same speakers when placed into a listening room will tend to have a downward­sloping or “tilting” response at high frequencies, due to the effects of limited dispersion at high
frequencies and greater acoustic absorption.

A completely flat in-room response is therefore usually not desirable and will tend to sound thin

or bright. Start with a target curve that follows the natural behavior of your speakers in your
room, and then experiment with greater or lesser degrees of tilt in the treble region to obtain
the most natural timbral balance.

Low-frequency adjustment

A completely flat response at low frequencies, with complete elimination of peaks due to room

modes, may sound light in the bass. Often, a slight increase in the target curve below 100 Hz will
give a more balanced sound, yet without introducing audible irregularities in bass response.

Magnitude response dips

In some cases, it may be helpful to adjust the target curve to follow dips in the magnitude

response. This can occur where, for example, the listening area is very close to the speakers and
the measurements exhibit a dip caused by the vertical response of the speakers themselves. In
such a case, you can adjust the magnitude response to follow the dip. (You may also wish to try
a different set of measurement locations.)

Unlinking channels

Usually, the corresponding left and right channels (front left and right, surround left and right,

and rear left and right) should remain linked for target curve adjustment, to ensure that both
sides produce the same response across the listening area. In certain unusual circumstances,
such as where the magnitude response dip discussed in the previous point shows up on only one
side, you can try unlinking channels and making separate adjustments.

4.2.4 Saving and loading target curves

To allow you to experiment with different target curves, you can save a target curve to a file and reload it at a
later time. The default directory for these is C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Roaming\Dirac\OEM\MiniDSP\Targets,
but you can store them in any location in your file system. To save the target curve of the currently displayed
channel or group of channels, click on the Save Target button.

To load a target curve, click on Load Target. The currently displayed channel or group of channels will have its
target curve updated. (Loading a target will erase the current target curve, so be sure to save it first if needed.)

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4.3 GENERATING CORRECTION FILTERS

Once you have a target curve set to your satisfaction, click on the Optimize button.

The status bar will update as the algorithm progresses. The entire algorithm may take some time to complete,
depending on the speed of your computer. When the algorithm completes, the predicted average magnitude
response will be shown in green. (The predicted impulse response can be viewed by clicking on the Impulse
button.)

The Dirac Live Calibration Tool For miniDSP will contact the Dirac license server to verify its license,
so you will need to be connected to the Internet to perform this step. If a firewall is in place, it must
allow HTTP (normal web traffic) to pass. Otherwise, an error such as the following may appear:

Once the filters are generated, click the Proceed button.

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4.4 DOWNLOADING AND MANAGING FILTER SETS

The Export tab initially shows four empty “slots” for filter sets (a filter set is one filter for every channel). Filter
sets are managed with a “drag and drop” metaphor:

 To load the most recently generated filter set into the nanoAVR DL, drag the box at the top left (labeled

“Auto target” in the example) and drop it onto an empty slot.

 To remove a filter set, click on its name (oriented vertically), drag it from the slot and drop it on the trashcan

icon at the top right.

 To load a filter set into a slot that already has filters loaded, first delete the loaded filter set by dragging it

onto the trashcan icon. Then drag and drop the current filter set onto the now-empty slot.

The two main controls here are:

Filter

Turn this on to enable the Dirac Live® correction filters.

Output volume

Move the slider to adjust the output volume of the processor. Once the computer is

disconnected, output volume can also be adjusted by an infrared remote control or the miniDSP
smartphone app.

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5 USING THE NANOAVR DL HDMI AUDIO PROCESSOR

Once the desired correction filters have been downloaded into the NanoAVR DL HDMI audio processor, the
computer is not required and can be disconnected. The front panel, an infrared remote, or the miniDSP
smartphone app can be used to control:

 Filter set selection
 HDMI input selection
 Master volume (remote control and smartphone app only)
 Master mute (remote control and smartphone app only)
 Dirac Live® filtering on/off (remote control and smartphone app only)

5.1 STATUS INDICATORS

The current status of the nanoAVR DL is indicated by a set of LEDs:

Preset Indicates the currently selected filter set (1 through 4).

Input Indicates the currently selected HDMI input (1 or 2).

M Master mute is enabled.

B Dirac Live® filtering is enabled.

5.2 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

The nanoAVR uses a minimalist physical control design with a single control button.

To change the selected filter set

Briefly press the control button. The selection LED blinks quickly. Briefly press the button to

move to the next filter set, and repeat until the desired LED is lit. Press and hold the control
button, and the LED will now remain steady.

To change the selected input

Press and hold the control button. The LED indicating the selected HDMI input will switch to the

other input. Release the button.

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5.3 INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL

Many standard and programmable remote control units can be used with the NanoAVR DL processor. Instead of
adding another remote to your collection, the processor can “learn” the control codes of your current infrared
(IR) remote if it supports one of the following remote control codes:

 NEC
 Sony
 Philips RC6
 Apple Remote

Learning is done with the nanoAVR DL Utility program. After starting the program, click on the Connect button.
To initiate learning, simply click on one of the function buttons in the IR Learning box (Master Mute, Volume
Up, and so on). Then point your remote at the processor and click on the button that you want to use for that
function. A dialog will appear to show that the code was recognized. (If the processor does not recognize the
remote control code, then it will time out and display a message saying that no IR code was detected.)

The commands Config Inc and Config Dec can be used to change the selected configuration preset up or down.
This can be used instead of Config 1, Config 2 and so on, to reduce the number of buttons required.

Once programmed, check that the programmed buttons perform the expected function. (Note that changing the
selected configuration preset with the remote will cause the nanoAVR DL Utility interface to disconnect.)

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5.4 SMARTPHONE CONTROL APP

The nanoAVR DL can be controlled with the miniDSP control app for Android and iOS† smartphones and tablets.

To control the nanoAVR DL over the network, connect an Ethernet from the nanoAVR DL’s Ethernet port to a
free port on your Ethernet router or switch. The diagram below illustrates a typical case where the Ethernet
router also acts as a wireless base station, and is in turn connected to an ADSL/cable modem. It is also common
for the ADSL/cable modem, Ethernet router, and wireless base station to be combined into a single unit.

The network must be capable of DHCP so that the nanoAVR DL will be given an IP (network) address.

Download and install the miniDSP control app for your phone or tablet:

 Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.minidsp.minidsp

†



iOS – scheduled for early 2015

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Computer connectivity

Driverless USB 2.0 configuration and control interface for Windows and Mac
OS X

Ethernet control (RJ45 / 100Mbps) with ZeroConf support (autoIP/DHCP)

HDMI inputs

2 x HDMI 1.4a selectable from software, front panel or IR remote

HDMI Outputs

1 x HDMI 1.4a output

Audio sample rate /
Resolution

Input/output resolution: 24-bit integer, 8-channel linear PCM

Maximum input sample rate: 192kHz

DSP internal processing path: 48 kHz

Audio processing

32-bit floating-point processor

Video support

Video pass-through of selected source (i.e. no video processing)

36-bit / 3D support / HDCP embedded keys

Storage/Presets

4 filter sets stored, selectable from front panel, IR remote, or smartphone app

Infrared remote

“Learning remote” capabilities (NEC, Philips, Sony, Apple)

Controls master volume, mute, HDMI input selection, filter set selection,
Dirac Live® filtering enable

Smartphone app

Controls master volume, mute, HDMI input selection, filter set selection,
Dirac Live® filtering enable

Supported on Android. iOS support scheduled for early 2015.

Power supply

5 VDC single supply @ 600mA, 2.1 mm center-positive

Dimensions (H x W x D)

31 x 161 x 110 mm

6 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

6.1 SPECIFICATIONS

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Item#

Symptoms

Troubleshooting recommendation

1

Cannot install software

a. Confirm that you downloaded and installed the required

frameworks first (see Software Installation).

2

The Dirac activation screen
does not recognize the serial
number

a. Do not use the serial number printed on the label of the unit.

You must use the serial number obtained from the firmware
using the nanoAVR DL Utility program.

3

The license validation screen

doesn’t accept my username

and password

a. The “username” must be the email address that you used

when activating your license on the Dirac Live activation
screen. Check that you are using the same email address and
password.

4

The nanoAVR doesn’t appear

in the Sound System tab

a. Check that the USB cable to the nanoAVR DL is firmly

connected.

b. Check that you do not have any other program running that is

attempting to communicate with the nanoAVR DL, such as the
nanoAVR DL utility program.

c. Check that you have the miniDSP version of the software

installed, called Dirac Live Calibration Tool For miniDSP.

d. Go to the Sound System tab and click the Rescan button.

5

The measurement test signal
produces no output

a. Check the Output volume slider.
b. Ensure that the NanoAVR DL processor is connected correctly

into the audio system.

c. Ensure that an HDMI video source is connected to the nanoAVR

DL, that the source is selected, and not asleep.

d. Check that the downstream device (AVR or AVP) has the

NanoAVR DL processor selected for input.

e. Check that any downstream volume control is not set to zero.
f. Check that no downstream device is muted.

6

No input from measurement
microphone

a. Check that the USB cable to the UMIK-1 is securely seated
b. Check that the UMIK-1 is selected in the Mic config tab.

7

Insufficient recording level

a. Increase microphone level in the Output & Levels tab.
b. Go to the Control Panel and view the Recording tab of the

Sound pane. Select the UMIK-1 and view its Properties. In

6.2 TROUBLESHOOTING

The following table lists the most common causes of issues with the nanoAVR DL. If following this table does not
provide a solution, see Obtaining Support below.

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Levels, set the gain to 100.

c. Increase system output volume.

8

Unable to generate correction
filters (Optimize button)

a. Check that your computer is connected to the Internet and able

to pass HTTP (web) traffic.

b. Check that you do not have any other program running that is

attempting to communicate with the nanoAVR DL, such as the
nanoAVR DL utility program.

9

No audio or video while
playing

a. Check that all HDMI cables are securely seated.
b. Check that HDMI cables are plugged into the correct inputs and

the correct outputs.

c. Check that each unit (TV, AVR, nanoAVR) has the correct HDMI

input selected.

d. Power-cycle the complete system. Turn off all equipment and

after waiting a minute, turn equipment on again in the
following order: TV/display, AVR or AVP, nanoAVR DL,
source/player. Leave a few seconds between powering on each
unit.

10

Video but no audio

a. Check that your source/player is set to output Linear PCM over

HDMI (the nanoAVR DL does not decode compressed formats
such as Dolby or DTS).

b. Check that the nanoAVR processor is not muted.
c. Check that the nanoAVR processor master volume control is

not turned down.

d. Check that the downstream device (AVR or AVP) has the

NanoAVR DL processor selected for input.

e. Check that the downstream device (AVR or AVP) doesn’t have

its volume control set very low or to zero.

f. Check that the downstream device (AVR or AVP) is not muted.

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6.3 MCU FIRMWARE UPGRADE

miniDSP may periodically provide an update to the nanoAVR DL MCU firmware to enable new features. To
update the MCU firmware, download the latest version of the nanoAVR DL utility from the User Downloads
section of the miniDSP.com website. Unzip the download and run the installer. Then follow the steps below.

Note that the firmware upgrade tool is, as of publication of this User Manual, available on Windows only.

1. Unplug DC power from the nanoAVR DL.

2. Connect the nanoAVR DL to your PC using the USB cable.

3. Press and hold the power button and plug in the DC powercable.

4. Release the power button. Verify that only Preset 1 LED is blinking and all otherLEDs are off.

5. Navigate to the directory C:\Program Files (x86)\miniDSP\nanoAVR DL\firmware_tools\Windows and

run the program PIC32UBL.

6. Check the Enable checkbox in the USB pane near the bottom of the window.

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7. Click on the Connect button. The status display should change to show that the program has connected:

8. Click the Load Hex File button. Browse to the .hex firmware file located in the unzipped download folder

and select it. This file will have a name like nanoAVR_DL_v1_17_Released_13Nov2014.hex. The status
will show that the hex file has loaded successfully:

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9. Click the Erase-Program-Verify button. The progress bar will update. After some time, the status will

update to show successful completion.

DO NOT DISCONNECT THE USB CABLE OR POWER FROM THE nanoAVR DL WHILE THIS IS IN
PROGRESS. DOING SO MAY “BRICK” YOUR nanoAVR DL.

10. Click the Run Application button to reboot the nanoAVR DL.

11. Click the Disconnect button

12. Close the PIC32UBL application.

Provided firmware update was successful, you can now continue to use the nanoAVR DL as before.

6.4 OBTAINING SUPPORT

1. Check the forums on miniDSP.com to see if your issue has already been raised and a solution or solutions

provided.

2. Contact miniDSP via the support portal at minidsp.desk.com with:
a. The specific product you are having an issue with (in this case, nanoAVR DL).
b. A clear explanation of the symptoms you are seeing.
c. A description of the troubleshooting steps (see Troubleshooting above) you performed and the results

obtained.

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